The Hidden Persuaders, Vance Packard — 1st Edition
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication: London, Longmans, Green and Co., 1957
Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 275.
Condition Report: Very Good. The grey-green cloth boards are notably clean and firm, with sharp corners and only the slightest hint of pushing to the spine ends, while the gilt spine lettering remains bright and unoxidised. The binding is tight, square, and robust throughout. Internally, the text block is clean and free of ownership inscriptions or major blemishes, though the page edges and preliminary leaves exhibit some mild, age-appropriate toning and scattered foxing. The original unclipped dust jacket is wholly intact and presents well, but does display some faint spotting and generalised toning, most notably to the white rear panel and spine, along with minor rubbing and a few minute nicks to the extremities.
Catalogue Note: First UK Edition, first impression. The Hidden Persuaders was originally published in the United States earlier in 1957, but this Longmans printing represents the true first appearance in the United Kingdom. The book features the striking and iconic wrap-around dust jacket design credited to 'Carter', which differs entirely from the American edition's artwork and perfectly captures the mid-century paranoia of mass manipulation.
While Vance Packard's seminal exposé on the psychological manipulation of consumers was a runaway bestseller, finding true first UK printings that retain their original dust jackets in such presentable, intact condition is increasingly uncommon on the open market, as these predominantly white mid-century jackets were highly susceptible to heavy wear, soiling, and loss.
In The Hidden Persuaders, journalist Vance Packard delivers a groundbreaking and chilling exposé on the advertising industry's use of psychological research to manipulate consumer behaviour. Drawing on the emerging field of motivational research in the 1950s, Packard reveals how advertisers, politicians, and corporations deploy subliminal tactics and psychoanalytical profiling to exploit the subconscious desires and anxieties of the public. A cultural landmark of the twentieth century, this controversial and eye-opening classic permanently altered the way the public viewed the media, advertising, and the hidden mechanisms of modern consumer capitalism.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Vance Packard
Book Publisher: Longmans, Green and Co.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Criticism & Essays
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 275
Book Publication Year: 1957
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Carter
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.